Find all the information you need to prepare for your Swim4Lémanhope challenge here
Lake Geneva – June 23–26, 2026
Zurich – June 17, 2026
Support at every step
During your leg of the relay, everything is designed to help you focus on what matters most: swimming and enjoying the experience.
⛵ A sailboat just for your team.
🧭 An experienced skipper in charge of navigation.
💁🏼♂️A host on board to welcome you and assist you.
🛟 A safety team on the water to ensure the crossing goes smoothly.
🚣🏼♀️ A paddleboarder alongside each swimmer to guide and support them.
🤝 A team of volunteers on land and on the water to coordinate the event and assist you throughout the day.
Overview of a stage
Departure and boarding at the water’s edge
- Please meet at the meeting point 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
- The first swimmer must be ready to enter the water 15 minutes before the start.
- Once the first swimmer has set off, the rest of the team boards the Zodiac with all their gear ( including the first swimmer’s) to head to their assigned sailboat.
While you're swimming
- On your boat, a member of the organizing team and the skipper will go over the 10 key points regarding the organization of your swim, which you will find HERE in French or HERE in English.
- A paddleboarder accompanies each swimmer to ensure their safety, maintaining constant communication with their team’s boat.
- You must wear alife jacket provided by the organizers.
- A medical and rescue team will be on site throughout the event.
Swimmer change
- The next swimmer gets ready about 10 minutes before the changeover. Fully equipped (swimsuit, goggles, swim cap, float), they are ready to enter the water.
- He dives into the water and cuts off the swimmer’s path without causing him to veer off course.
- He joins the swimmer in the lane and high-fives him to confirm the switch.
- The first swimmer climbs back onto the sailboat.
The team arrives on shore
- Once the race director gives the go-ahead, the whole team jumps into the water to swim the final 100 meters together. It’s a shared, memorable moment as you cross the finish line and complete your challenge together.
Don't miss any updates about your relay
Click the corresponding button to view the locations and hours of your pickup point.
Swim4Lémanhope Léman
Tuesday, June 23
Geneva – Mies – Nyon
Wednesday, June 24
Nyon – Rolle – St-Prex – Morges
Thursday, June 25
Morges – Ouchy – Cully
Friday, June 26
Cully – Vevey – Villeneuve
Swim4Lémanhope Zurich
Wednesday, June 17
Zurichhorn – Erlenbach – Meilen – Stäfa – Rapperswil
Your Swimming Kit
In your swimmer's kit, you'll find everything you need to make the most of your experience:
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Léman Hope goodies: a microfiber cloth and a swim cap (free).
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Floats are provided.
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Onboard refreshments including fresh fruit, sweet and savory snacks, as well as hot and cold beverages (tea, coffee, broth, juice, etc.).
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A complimentary souvenir photo, presented at the closing ceremony.
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A welcome reception with sparkling wine and light bites to celebrate your achievement.
To take with you
To make the most of your adventure, there are a few essentials you’ll want to pack:
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A pair of swimming goggles
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A swimsuit
- A snowsuit (for those who feel the cold)
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A water bottle filled with water
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A pair of sunglasses
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A waterproof bag
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A hat
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A cap
Meet & Tips
To help you prepare for your challenge, the Léman Hope team organizes open water training sessions exclusively for participants.
Lausanne – Tuesday, June 2, at the Jetée de la Compagnie
Geneva – Thursday, June 4, at Les Bains des Pâquis
Zurich – Tuesday, June 9, at Seebad Enge
Each session lasts 45 minutes:
15 min: Presentation of Swim4Lémanhope and the organization in the water
20 min: Swimming session and tips from an experienced swimmer
10 min: Discussion time and open questions
Contact us
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
📩: sarah.regard@lemanhope.ch
📞: 058-262-00-04
During the event, all updates will be shared with you via the swimmers’ WhatsApp group. An invitation to join this group will be sent to you in early June.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to be an elite swimmer?
No. All you need is proper preparation and a serious commitment. The event is open to all motivated swimmers. The spirit of Swim4Lémanhope is, above all, one of solidarity: everyone comes to take on their own challenge while supporting children in remission from cancer.
Is the combination recommended or mandatory?
A wetsuit is not mandatory. You can wear one depending on the water temperature and your personal preference.
Is the event timed?
An indicative time may be provided, but the event is not a competition. The spirit remains above all one of solidarity and teamwork.
Are swimming accessories allowed (fins, snorkel, mask, etc.)?
Yes. Swimming accessories such as fins, snorkels, and masks are permitted. Each participant is free to use the equipment with which they feel most comfortable to complete their challenge.
Can I wear my own swimming cap?
No. A swim cap will be provided by the organization and must be worn by all participants to ensure good visibility and easy identification of swimmers in the water.
Who should I contact in case of withdrawal?
In the event of withdrawal, the team captain is responsible for informing the organizing team as soon as possible.
Can two swimmers from the same team swim at the same time?
No. Only one swimmer per team may be in the water at a time. Relays are performed successively between team members, except at the moment of the handoff, when both swimmers may be briefly in the water at the same time.
What happens in case of bad weather?
Our two golden rules are simple: the event will take place as long as the safety of swimmers is guaranteed. We will always do everything we can to ensure that you can swim and enjoy this experience to the fullest.
If weather conditions become unfavorable and pose a danger to swimmers, we will inform you of any adjustments the day before or on the morning of the event, depending on the forecast as assessed by experts. Plan Bs are in place for each day, with alternative routes in protected areas close to the shore, allowing swimmers to swim in loops of a few kilometers in relays.
Can I complete my planned distance in several stages if I am tired?
Yes, there are no restrictions. If you need to take a break, you can let your paddler know, who will inform the sailboat. You can then get back on board and return to the water later to complete the distance you had planned.
Where is the boat located when the swimmer is in the water?
The sailboat provides general direction and is usually positioned between 50 and 150 meters ahead of the swimmer and their paddler in order to guide their trajectory.
Should I bring food?
No. Refreshments will be available on board, including fresh fruit, sweet and savory snacks, and hot and cold drinks. An arrival aperitif by Mytraiteur, accompanied by sparkling wine, will welcome you upon arrival.
Do I need to bring my own life jacket?
No, a life jacket is provided by the organizers. Be sure to check that it is properly inflated and fitted before entering the water, and keep it fastened on throughout your swim.
Do I need to choose a swimming stroke in advance?
Yes, each participant chooses their swimming style based on their ability and lets us know in advance when registering. This allows us to estimate their finishing times.
On the day of the event, everyone is free to adjust their swimming style if necessary.
However, there are a few rules to follow:
- Breaststroke: maximum 15 consecutive minutes
- Combining breaststroke and freestyle: start with 500 meters or less
- The first swimmer must be able to swim for at least 30 minutes
Are there shuttle buses running between the train station and the departure points?
No, there are no shuttle buses scheduled. The venues were chosen to be easily accessible, with short walks from nearby train stations.
Where can I change?
Changing rooms or restrooms are available at each departure point for you to change clothes. You can also change clothes on board the boats if necessary.
However, we recommend that you wear your swimsuit under your clothes for convenience.